Clinical progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection in people with cystic fibrosis: a global observational study

ABSTRACT

Objectives: As the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues, people with cystic fibrosis (CF) have been identified as being a vulnerable group. It is essential that people with CF, their families and their clinical teams have the most up-to-date information on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on their health. This study aims to characterise the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in people with CF throughout 2020, identify factors that predict clinical progression of COVID-19, and to describe medium-term follow-up of people who have been infected. Methods: The ‘Cystic Fibrosis Registry Global Harmonization Group’ is a worldwide network of CF Registries that each contributed data on people with CF diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this analysis, we will report on cases contributed from 22 countries diagnosed between 1st February and 13th December 2020. We will present demographic, pre-infection clinical characteristics, symptoms, infection management and outcomes. We will use multivariable logistic regression to assess predictors for hospitalisation with respiratory support and intensive care admission as the outcomes of interest representing clinical progression of COVID-19. Descriptive analysis of medium-term follow-up BMI and FEV1% predicted values will also be undertaken. Results: Results pending. Expected cohort size >1,000, including the 181 previously reported in our paper “The global impact of SARS-CoV-2 in 181 people with cystic fibrosis.” Conclusion: It is expected that the findings of this study will have important implications for shielding advice, clinical care and vaccine prioritisation for people with CF.